What is Cetylated Fatty Acids?

Cetylated fatty acids are a group of naturally occurring fats. They include cetyl myristoleate, cetyl myristate, cetyl palmitoleate, cetyl laureate, cetyl palmitate, and cetyl oleate. Cetyl myristoleate receives the most attention. Many products that contain cetyl myristoleate also contain a mixture of these other cetylated fatty acids.

There is an interest in cetyl myristoleate for osteoarthritis because it is a substance found in certain mice that do not develop arthritis, even when researchers try to cause arthritis in the laboratory. Cetylated fatty acids are also used for other types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), Reiter's syndrome, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Cetylated fatty acids are also used for diseases in which the body attacks itself (autoimmune diseases) including Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Some people use cetylated fatty acids for psoriasis, fibromyalgia, emphysema, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), silicone breast disease, various types of back pain, leukemia and other cancers, and a disease that involves inflammation of the blood vessels called Behcet's syndrome.

Cetylated fatty acids are applied to the skin for osteoarthritis.

Possibly Effective for...

A type of arthritis called osteoarthritis, when taken by mouth or applied to the skin over the affected joint. Taking a specific blend of cetylated fatty acids (Celadrin, Proprietary Nutritionals, Inc.) combined with soy lecithin and fish oil by mouth seems to decrease pain and improve knee range of motion and function in people with knee osteoarthritis. However, this combination does not appear to improve morning stiffness. Applying the same specific blend of cetylated fatty acids directly to the skin either alone or in combination with menthol also seems to decrease pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Multiple sclerosis.

Reiter's syndrome.

Behcet's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome.

Psoriasis.

Fibromyalgia.

Emphysema.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Silicone breast disease.

Leukemia and other cancers.

Various types of back pain.

Other conditions.

There isn't enough evidence to rate the effectiveness of cetylated fatty acids for these uses.

How does Cetylated Fatty Acids work?

Cetylated fatty acids might help lubricate joints and muscles, soften tissues, and increase flexibility. It also might help the immune system and reduce inflammation (swelling).

Are there safety concerns?

Cetylated fatty acids are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin, short-term. Side effects have not been reported. But there is not much information available about the safety of long-term use.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of cetylated fatty acids during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

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